Chapter 208 - Who told you to keep this vicious animal here?

|Innaya|

Lunch was a silent affair. Ayesha's face had fallen the moment Eshan decided to stay after I said one word to him. She thought she could get some moments to sow discord in our relationship, but because of Eshan's presence, her plans failed.

It looked like she wanted to leave hurriedly after eating her fill. Her gaze told how she was yearning to converse with Eshan. However, for some reason, she stayed silent allowing me to observe Eshan.

He would occasionally put food on my plate perhaps he was doing it for Ayesha's sake. I did not mind though. His actions provided me some relief that he was not ignoring me completely. Even if he was putting a show before Ayesha, I felt good.

"So, Ayesha, did you return to Mumbai for some work?" I randomly asked, picking the glass of water. I could not bear this silence and her secretive gaze at Eshan. Hence, I put her in the spotlight. This way, Eshan could also know what was happening.

Ayesha smiled little bashfully once she met Eshan's gaze. "Mom wants me to settle down." She played with her spoon, tucking few strands of her brown hair behind her ear.

"Oh! You're here to find a life partner? That's good." I sat straight in my chair. Eshan looked at me a little inquisitively. Maybe, he did not expect me to take an interest in his friend's life. He failed to see the interest his childhood friend was taking in our life.

"Did you not like guys there? You've grown up in the US. I thought you would prefer a love marriage. Surprisingly, you're into arranged marriages." I smiled innocently. She wanted to make me comfortable with her words. Two could play the game.

Did she not say that Eshan and I looked like we had an arranged marriage? She had the nerve to say that she did not see the love between us. It was clear from her words that she came here for Eshan. She did not say it directly, but anyone could notice it. Just my husband did not.

Ayesha's smile faltered at my words. Take that! She opened her mouth to say something in her defense, but just then a voice called out for Eshan.

"Eshan."

My hand trembled, and I dropped the spoon in the plate at the voice. It came from the living room. How? Wasn't she coming tomorrow? How did she appear today?

That voice was way too familiar. It had been the reason of my nightmares for numerous nights.

"Mom!" Eshan called out before he jumped from his seat and ran out, followed by Ayesha.

My heart dropped in my chest. Eshan's excitement broke whatever hope I had of settling our issue. This was the fear that had held me back from telling Eshan about what had happened.

Though I had never seen what kind of bond Eshan shared with his mother, but just looking at this one brief moment, I realized how much he loves and values her. How could I tell Eshan everything and destroy the beautiful relationship they have?

I could not.

What was I supposed to do? Over the past month, I had realized that his mother would not say anything in front of Eshan. Because if she wanted, she could have asked for a divorce when Eshan was at home. She would not have done something shady behind his back. How did she get to grasp about Eshan's schedule or what had happened between us? I did not understand that either.

I had not found any solution to deal with this matter yet. I thought hiding this matter from Eshan would give me time to find a way to persuade his mother. I did not perceive that things would come to this point already.

Could I run away and hide until she left?

Would Eshan not suspect me then?

"Woof, woof."

I looked down when I heard Fortune's barking. Moisture had pooled in my eyes at some point. Through the blurry vision, I found Fortune's eyes gazing at me tenderly. It was as if he was saying everything would be fine.

Though it was me deluding myself, I found some strength returning to my helpless heart. Fortune rubbed his head against my leg. I reached out to pet his head.

I had someone by my side. I was not alone.

"Is there a dog?" Eshan's mother asked sharply.

I recalled her dissatisfaction with Fortune from our early encounter. I could not help but want to hide Fortune away from her gaze. I did not know what was going out there as my mind was wandering elsewhere.

With my heart palpating in fear, I willed myself to get up. If I did not leave, Eshan would come to find me. He would find it in a moment that something was not right. He would always perceive if there was something off with me. I just prayed that in his happiness of meeting his mother, he would overlook it.

The two-minute distance from the dining room to the living room felt like I was walking on a path of nails. They pricked my conscious, my heart, and my emotions. It took a lot of effort for me to not break into tears. I had half a mind of running away, but then things would complicate further.

"Aunty, I missed you so much. I have so much to tell you." Ayesha was excitedly chatting with Eshan's mother.

Eshan was hugging his mother as he sat just holding her. On the left side, Ayesha sat holding Eshan's mother's other arm. The scene looked so warm. They seemed a perfect family. If Eshan had not married me, then Ayesha would have been the ideal choice for Eshan. Eshan's mother would have chosen her for being Eshan's bride.

I shook my head to get rid of that though. We were married, and Eshan had chosen to do so without any pressure. I would not fall in that cycle of what if's. I steeled my heart. Moving further in the room, I wondered how I was going to face her. Fortune ran ahead, leaving my side before I could stop him.

Facing Eshan's mother, he started barking at her.

"Woof… woof…woof."

His barking even scared me, least Eshan's mother. Eshan stood up, trying to control Fortune.

"Don't Fortune."

"What the hell!"

"Hey, get away from me!"

Many voices rang out, but Fortune did not pay any heed. He glared at Eshan's mother and continued his barking.

I sprinted when I saw the expression of disgust on Eshan's mother's face. She raised her silver gold plated clutch. At that moment, I knew if Fortune did not stop, she would hurt him.

And, I was so right. The next moment, she hurled her clutch at Fortune. I crouched before Fortune, shielding him from getting hurt. That clutch landed heavily on my left shoulder. I gritted my teeth to bear the pain. The impact of the hit was quite powerful. I did not expect her to use that force. The stinging pain made me wonder if I was hit by the sharp edge of it.

"Innaya," Eshan yelled.

I stood up, putting Fortune behind me. I did not want him to get hit again. I would not allow it. It was rather strange though. The bond I developed with him was surprising me day by day. I never thought I would be willing to put myself in the face of danger for any dog… ever.

However, things changed. And, I kind of liked this new change. If this meant I could have Fortune love me the way he did, then I did not mind the new change.

"I'm okay. I'll take Fortune in the garden," I replied to Eshan when he came to stand by me, looking at me concernedly.

Technically I should be touching her feet and taking blessing as it would be the first time I had met her. Of course, it was for Eshan's sake as he did not know about the meeting I had with his mother a month ago. But, I decided to first bring Fortune out.

"Stop right there," Eshan's mother yelled out.

I stiffened. She would not create drama in front of Eshan, would she? I turned around, making sure that Fortune stayed behind.

"Mom, how could you hit Fortune? See what you did, Innaya got hurt because of you," Eshan spoke little harshly.

'I've got way more hurt because of her, Eshan.' I wanted to say that, but I held back.

"You stay out of it. Who told you to keep this vicious animal here?" His mother yelled.

Why did I feel that she was referring to me? I contemplated the possibility of her being upfront and behaving the way she did that day now. Would she let Eshan know? If she really wanted me out of Eshan's life, then she would definitely say everything clearly. I nervously looked at Eshan. Would he be able to handle it?

I did not want Eshan to be in the dilemma where he had to chose between his mother and his wife. Any decision he made would make him miserable. I did not want him to suffer, but at the same time, I did not know how to handle the situation.